Question

Find the values of x and y that make these triangles congruent by the HL Theorem.

Answer 1

According to HL theorem if one leg and hypotenuse of one right triangle are equal to one leg and hypotenuse of other right triangle, then the triangles are congruent.

By using this theorem we can set up the system of equations as follows:

x=y+1 ...(1)

2x+3= 3y + 3 ..(2)

By using equation (1) next step is to plug in y+1 for x in equation (2). So,

2 ( y + 1) + 3 = 3y + 3

2y + 2 + 3 = 3y + 3 By using distribution property.

2y + 5 = 3y + 3

2y + 5 - 5 = 3y + 3 - 5 Subtract 5 from each side.

2y = 3y - 2

2y - 3y = -2 Subtract 3y from each sides.

-y = -2

So, y=2

Next step is to plug in y=2 in equation (1) to get the value of x. Hence,

x= 2+1

=3

So, x=3 and y=2 make these triangles congruent.

So, the correct choice is 3. x = 3, y = 2.